How many of you saw the Cubs Forever special?

I thought it was brilliant. I wish they would’ve shown more from my youth era of the mid 80’s but all in all i found myself tearing up a little bit during some of the footage. It’s amazing how a TV show can transform me back into a kid, but that’s what that did. Awesome.

It was great and I hope they release a DVD with this special, the other WGN one last night and Bozo, Gar and Ray special.

And maybe add things that didn’t make it on the special.

Television shows I’ve ever seen, and fortunately the VCR captured it as well. I am sure there will be an evening coming up this winter (if not before!) made for viewing with a few Old Styles. I laughed and cried, often simultaneously. The missus watched with me, and just shook her head: “See, honey, it’s not just me; there are lots of us out there, really.” I, too, am hopeful to see a DVD in the near future.

We got cable and WGN in 1980, and the Cubs were the only team playing daytime afternoon games on TV. I ended up rooting for the biggest rival of my daddy’s favorite team, the Cardinals. I loved being rebellious. I feel so fortunate to remember Brickhouse announcing for the Cubs in 1980-81. With Harry taking over in ‘82, the growth of cable, and the Cubs success in ‘84, the Cubs made fans all over this country. Thank you, WGN, for giving me now my 29th year of joy watching the Cubs.

The DVD can’t be far behind. As an older fan - it glossed over some of the ‘tougher’ times the Cubs experienced, especially 1948 to 1966. Now, I’m sure little - if any of that footage actually exists. If it did—it was a kinescope (a film camera shooting a video monitor) and that was represented by the Cardwell no-hitter footage and the “Telstar” images.

Some WGN engineer had the foresight to make sure those events were captured, and whoever you are, if you are still with us, Thanks!!

But Vince Lloyd and Lou Boudreau were only mentioned in passing. You heard them in some of the videotaped highlights that were featured, and their contribution to WGN was barely touched upon. Jack Brickhouse was the primary TV voice of the Cubs - but WGN also did the White Sox, with Jack at the helm. On those rare days when both teams were at home - Jack would rush to the Southside.

Jack wouid go out of town on Sox road trips and the others would share the TV work. Which does kind of suggest that Brickhouse should not only be honored by the Cubs, and WGN (and the HOF) but should also be honored by the White Sox.

Until the Sox left WGN for the “new” WFLD-TV, Channel 32—Brickhouse was there for ALL of the White Sox highlights, in the 50s and 60’s including the 1959 World Series, which he worked with Vin Scully.

This might be awkward for the Sox, but Brickhouse is a Chicago icon and to ignore his contribution to Chicago baseball as a whole—is ignoring history.

However, his statue off of Michigan Ave does make up for this oversight—somewhat.

I understand the Sox do have a ‘HOF” in The Cell. Since I haven’t been to that park since 1993, it’s possible there is a mention of Brickhouse there—so, if somebody knows, pass that along.

Also—I have found a “Hamms Beer 1969 Cubs/Sox TV Schedule in addition to some other tidbits from that era.
When I have time, I will scan and post these trinkets.

I purchased the book when it was released, and caught the last half of Cubs Forever last night. Unless this was covered in hour one, I noticed one omission from the book & special worth mentioning: No Steve Goodman? Anywhere? You’d think the creation of “Go Cubs Go” would have been mentioned if the PR campaign from ‘84 was recalled.

Also, did anyone else notice that Kerry Wood’s hand was trembling like a leaf in his interview after the 20K game? He must have still had the adrenaline pumping. It made me “awww.”

but haven’t watched it yet. Based on all the comments I’m really looking forward to watching it as soon as I have the time.

remembering many of those games I watched as a child in the 60’s and 70’s. For some reason I really lost it when Krukow talked about how he would like to see the Cubs win the WS. I thought that would be so apropos.

My kid had a ball game yesterday evening…

...make sure you watch it to the very end.

As the credits are rolling, they’re showing some video clips of separate interviews with Sutcliffe and Grace, telling the same story. Now I’d read about this story many times before, but hearing it again, right from the horse’s mouth so to speak, was absolutely hysterical.

No doubt. I have heard Sut and Gracey tell that story many times, and it is hilarious every time I hear it.

Man! I’m bummed I didnt get to watch it. Does anybody know if WGN is going to replay it anytime soon?

thanks again

I liked all those people saying they want to be here when the Cubs win the world series.

Okay quick show of hands. How many of you have friends/family who aren’t even fans who want to be with you when the Cubs win the world series?